Healthy, Happy Homecoming
Little choices add up to create a healthy lifestyle
By Josie Cellone
Marine Corps wife Breanna Cox, who worked as a personal trainer before a cross-country PCS, insists health living isn’t about fancy workouts and fad diets.
It sure sounds a lot easier when you’re stationed in the sunny climate of San Diego like Breanna, but she says anyone can do it.
“I think people have such high expectations of what they need to be doing,” said Breanna, who considers exercise one of her hobbies. “It’s really about the little choices they can make, choosing something healthier for lunch one day a week or going to the park with your kids after school.”
To keep in shape during deployments – and year-round – Breanna recommends these five workout essentials:
1) Great fitting shoes: “Many running stores custom fit shoes for your feet. Good shoes help prevent injury and help you perform at your best.”
2) iPod with a great mix: “Slow tempos are great for yoga and stretching, and fast rock for cardio and weight training. I am currently addicted to an ’80s mix that my husband made for me.”
3) Workout buddies: “Workouts are much more fun with a friend. My workout partner pushes me to run harder and in turn, I guide her with weight training techniques. The best workout buddies capitalize on each other’s strengths, and catch up on chit chat at the same time.”
4) Plenty of water: “Sports drinks add calories, and aren't necessary for workouts less than an hour. Add flavor with fresh orange slices and kick the plastic water bottle habit by purchasing a reusable metal one.”
5) Fun!: “Pick an activity you enjoy, and you are more likely to stick with it. My method of madness is soccer and weight training. I enjoy a variety of exercise activities, but these are my favorites. Soccer is great for high intensity cardio, and weight lifting changes the shape of my body tremendously. The bottom line is if you enjoy what you are doing, you will do it more often.”
What do you do to keep fit? Tell us at editorial (at) milspouse.com.